Differential Diagnosis for a Patient with a Ferritin of 14
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Iron Deficiency Anemia: This is the most likely diagnosis, as a ferritin level of 14 is below the normal range, indicating depleted iron stores. Low ferritin is a sensitive and specific marker for iron deficiency.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Chronic Disease: Chronic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, chronic infections, or malignancies can cause a decrease in ferritin levels due to inflammation, which can lead to anemia of chronic disease.
- Pregnancy: Pregnancy can lead to a decrease in ferritin levels due to increased iron demands and expanded blood volume.
- Malabsorption: Conditions such as celiac disease, Crohn's disease, or gastric bypass surgery can lead to malabsorption of iron, resulting in low ferritin levels.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Hemochromatosis with Iron Depletion: Although hemochromatosis is typically associated with high ferritin levels, it's essential to consider the possibility of iron depletion in patients with hemochromatosis who have undergone phlebotomy or have other underlying conditions.
- Thalassemia: Thalassemia major can present with low ferritin levels, especially if the patient has undergone frequent blood transfusions.
- Sideroblastic Anemia: This rare form of anemia can present with low ferritin levels, and it's essential to consider it in the differential diagnosis to avoid missing a potentially treatable condition.
Rare Diagnoses
- Atransferrinemia: A rare genetic disorder characterized by the absence of transferrin, leading to low ferritin levels and iron overload.
- Ferritinopathy: A rare genetic disorder caused by mutations in the ferritin gene, leading to low ferritin levels and neurodegenerative symptoms.
- Hypoplastic Anemia: A rare condition characterized by bone marrow failure, which can present with low ferritin levels and pancytopenia.